A/N: Okay, I'll admit it. I love the character Near in the series, not as much as Mello or Matt, but I still love him! I could do without the creepy grin though. :) Oh well, he's still awesome, which is why I finished this right away!

Enjoy and Review!

(Near P.O.V)

I wasn't born a normal child… though there are times I wish I had been. Being a genius has its positive aspects… but there are the negatives as well. For example, my former life.

I was never treated normally in my household. My mother was what one might call a 'dumb blonde' and instantly hated me for being a genius. My two sisters were no different, both being equally stupid in their own way. I can't exactly recall the amount of time the two spent fighting over a hairbrush. I was only glad that my father loved me… a little bit.

Maybe it was because I was his only son, but he did care for me. He would defend me when my sisters called me a freak or pushed me around; but only half-heartedly. I think because I was smarter than all of them combined they felt inferior and wanted nothing to do with me. I tried to make them love me, but they wouldn't have it. My sisters pushed me away, my mother sneered at me, and my father ignored me. I tried to impress them with my intelligence, but ended up alone in my bedroom for trying. I wanted desperately to be loved by them… but it was futile.

I suppose I haven't really introduced myself. My name is Nate River, or more commonly known as Near. I was born to a normal family, with normal parents, and normal sisters. The only thing that was normal, was me.

From birth I showed a unique understanding of the world, and was shown to be a genius at the age of two. I learned how to read War and Peace at the age of three, to calculate mathematical equations at three-and-a-half, and could remember Pi to the hundredth digit. Though most would call this impressive and 'out of this world' I found it to be a nuisance. I hated being smart for the longest time. It only meant that my family hated me.

Especially my sisters.

Twins, teenagers – and stupid ones at that – made my life a living hell. I never got abused physically, but mentally my life was a shattered mess. They constantly called me freak or monster. I think the worst one they ever called me was puke-stain. Though crude and uncalled for, it hurt the most. Whenever one thought of vomit, they instantly think of disgusting and putrid. Something I certainly was not… which is why it hurt so bad I suppose.

I became quiet when in their presence, allowing any kind of verbal abuse they could throw at me. I really had no one to turn to at that point, so I stayed with the only people I knew; my family.

But I guess my sisters had a different plan for me.

You see, at the time, I lived in America – more specifically, North Dakota – and we were packing up for a family trip to New York to visit my grandparents for the holidays.

I never made it past the border.

My sisters had the great idea to minimize space and have them drive me to the airport. My idiot parents agreed, and we all went our separate ways.

To make a sad story short, my sister Carol stopped the car in the woods and my other sister Katie kicked me out… literally… before they drove off. Leaving me alone in the woods, with only an abandoned road to follow.

I think I cried the whole time I walked, but I guess I don't really remember. But I was hurt by what they had done. My own sisters left me to die in the woods, and my parents probably wouldn't care. Although, I don't think I could see them getting away with something like that. I almost hoped they got arrested for such a crime. I doubt it though.

It was during my self-loathing that I heard a car zoom by. It didn't take long for whoever was inside to see me and stop. I could hear the car door open and shut but I dared not look up. I didn't want to see who it was, let alone let them see me cry.

This was my first encounter with Watari. He seemed nice when we first met, but I was still skeptical. He asked me a bunch of questions, which I answered quietly but bitterly. He seemed to understand my situation and offered me a chance to go to a place called the Wammy house. I guess I must have been desperate since I agreed without question. My father always said don't go off with strangers… but I hadn't really cared at this point. My sisters made it clear that I wasn't wanted.

Luck be with me he was leaving that night, and it wasn't long before we were in England. The old man known as Watari had been telling the truth then. I was at an orphanage for geniuses like myself. However, I remained closed off. The only thing I really thought of was the toys they had. The first thing I did was immerse myself in them and instantly try to forget about my old life. I had had toys while living with my family, but I only played with them to forget that I was actually living. It was a sad five years for a kid who wanted to forget he was alive.

I was so closed off to the real world at this point, that it took me a solid two minutes before realizing there were others in the room. The first one I noticed was L, who was crouched in front of me and asking me questions. But the one I noticed the most was the blonde in the background. He had his friend with him, a red-head playing a videogame, completely uninterested in his surroundings. But I couldn't help but stare at this blonde. Was he a student here? He must be. Why else would he be here?

It seemed like a while before Watari suggested that the blonde and his friend leave. I tried to tell them it was alright, but I think I may have angered him by accident – though I don't know how – and he left anyway. I was really saddened by his abrupt departure. I honestly had thought he was there to be my friend. Though, the thoughts would soon change.

The teen asked me for my name once again, and I finally answered. "Near. My name is Near."

"Is that your real name?"

I pointed to Watari. "No, but he said I should change it."

The raven-haired teen nodded. "Alright then, Near it is. My name is L."

I nodded at him, then inquired about the two that had just left. He told me their names were Mello and Matt, the top students at the Wammy house.

This only intrigued me more. Mello and Matt, top students and geniuses. I guess I got the preconceived notion that all geniuses looked out for each other, because at that instant I made a mental goal to try and befriend the both of them. I guess I really should have thought it all through before attempting to reach this goal; especially with Mello.